2. DVI Cable

However there are 2 types of DVI, DVI-I and DVI-D. DVI-D does not have the extra pins around the long pin, this is also a pure digital signal over DVI-I.

3. HDMI Cable

Connect one end to: computer monitor, television

Connect other end to: HDMI port on computer (see image below)

Note: If you’re hooking up a television to your computer, then we would recommend that you use a HDMI cable as your PC cable connection since it is able to transmit both display and sound – So you can not only use your TV screen as a monitor, but also make use of your TV speakers to play PC audio.

4. PS/2 Cable

Connect one end to: PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse

Connect other end to: PS/2 ports on computer (see image below)

Purple PS/2 port: keyboard

Green PS/2 port: mouse

5. Ethernet Cable

Also known as RJ-45 cable

Connect one end to: router, network switch

Connect other end to: Ethernet port on computer (see image below)

6. 3.5mm Audio Cable

Also known as phone connector (since 3.5mm jacks are often found on mobile phones too)

7. USB Cable

For USB computer cable connections, there are two popular formats: USB 2.0 and the newer USB 3.0

How to tell USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables apart: USB 3.0 cables have a blue tip, and sometimes you can find a SS “Super Speed” label on it.

Since USB was intended to be the one computer cable connection to replace them all, it’s no surprise that the possible uses for a USB port are quite mind-blowing. For this computer cable guide, we have listed its more common uses below:

8. Computer Power Cord (Kettle Plug)

Note: Always turn off your power supply unit (with the 1-0 switch at the back) before connecting a power cord to it.

9. ThunderBolt/USB-C

Mostly seen on laptops and Apple Macs these cables are high speed and are capable of carrying Data, video and other information.

There are 2 current types of Thunderbolt, the older version Thunderbolt 2 is seen below but this can also be confused with Mini Display ports as they look identical and only visual difference is the picture beside the port. Thunderbolt 2 (left) has a lightning symbol and carries Data and video.

The Mini Display Port (right) will only carry Video.

And Thunderbolt 3 also known as USB-C on Apple Macs.

10. Display Port

Display Port is the best to use if you require a fast, high resolution image. The cable has better quality over HDMI and is the best option if you have this interface.